I decided to take advantage of a daily blogging prompt and write about the Anderson family. I found this line interesting as I was researching my Great Uncle Tom’s side of the family. Though only related by marriage, there were some interesting stories, pictures, and information.

I found out that my Great Uncle’s father, Thomas Anderson, was an only child, born to Katherine Cullom and John Anderson. John and Kate were married in 1868 and she was a minor. Unfortunately, the State of Illinois was unsuccessful at finding the permission document that her parents would have had to sign. Oh well…but I digress, this is about Tombstone Tuesday.

I found that My Great Uncle’s father was married to Margaret Bowers. I started to look for burial information on her. A cousin mentioned that she thought that she was buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery, in Chicago, Illinois.

I must say that if anyone has ancestors buried in this cemetery, you are in luck. This cemetery was extremely helpful and accommodating. I learned something during my visit as well – which I will share with you.

Assume nothing. I know that you know that, but really – assume nothing.

After I printed out the high level map at the kiosk (Catholic Cemeteries) of Margaret’s grave, I stopped by the front desk. I asked the woman if she had a section map that I could use that had more detail. She said that unfortunately, they didn’t really have section maps that could be copied, but would I want a copy of everyone in the plot?

WHAT? OF COURSE, I WANT THAT! Well, I didn’t burst out like that, I swear.

She prints this and hands it to me:

Conlin? Who the heck are the Conlins? 10 people? She states the stone also says Conlin. What? Really?

I’m thoroughly confused.

The mystery began. As far as I can tell, the Conlins were neighbors to the Andersons and they just decided to remain neighbors in the afterlife. I have found no family tree connection to date, but you never know. Without this information, I would have been roaming the cemetery, looking for an Anderson grave. Even with the location, I would have walked right by it…and that’s a lot of real estate for 10 people!

Ever since that day, if I am visiting a cemetery, I do ask if they have plot records. I have not been as successful as at Mount Olivet, but I have been able to sometimes obtain additional information that I might not have gotten had I not thought, known, or were too afraid to ask.

To my dismay, John Anderson does not seem to be buried in this plot. That remains a mystery. I know he died between the 1900 and 1910 census. That case will need to be solved at a later date!

I found 5 Andersons that day, one of which (Loretta) I had not known much about.

It just goes to prove, it never hurts to ask for what information may be available!

8 Responses to Tombstone Tuesday – Plot Records

Good fortune! Wish we had a law that every cemetery should make plot records available. I guess the Conlins were really close neighbors. Maybe it was a financial decision. Happy for your find, and hope you can locate your John Anderson.